President Erdoğan, Putin Meet After 9 Months
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President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Russian Leader Vladimir Putin have come together for the first time after Turkey shot down the Russian jet; they mutually delivered messages of good intention and companionship.
The meeting of the two leaders took place at Constantine Palace in St. Petersburg at 2:30 p.m. local time.
Erdoğan and Putin had last met on November 15 as part of the G20 Summit organized in Antalya. Turkey had shot down a Russian jet close to the Turkey-Syria border on November 24, 2015 and one pilot lost his life. The ties had worsened for eight months following the incident.
President Erdoğan in his letter to Putin in June had apologized for the incident of shooting down the jet.
Putin: I was one of the first leaders who called
Putin, speaking about the July 15 coup attempt in the meeting today (August 9), stated that Russia stands against all sorts of efforts against the constitution, and went on with his speech as follows:
“The ties worsened subsequent to the killing of the Russian soldiers last year in November. At the moment, Turkey’s domestic political state is very challenging, it is sign of good will that Turkey come here to visit in these difficult times. Both countries will benefit from these developments.
“I know that I was one of the first leaders who called you [Erdoğan] following the crisis that has been caused by the coup attempt and I would like to reiterate our principle. We will be standing against all sorts of coup attempts, and such unconstitutional efforts.
“Furthermore, I believe that people of Turkey will overcome these problems as you lead the country”.
Erdoğan: The relations have entered a positive phase
President Erdoğan also made the following statement:
“I would like to thank you for scheduling this appointment in such a critical period. Our plan was [to meet at] the G20 Summit as you know.
“The relations between Turkey and Russia have entered a very positive phase. This is the period in which we will set big goals. [...]
“The giant rally held in İstanbul on Sunday [August 07] held a great meaning for our people who own their democracy and stand against coups. Beginning with this visit, we are very glad to have started holding consultative council meetings as it was already our turn.
“We have many bilateral relations and the region has great political expectations from us. I believe that our cooperation will also help solve problems in the region. I again would like to express my thanks”.
Joint press conference
Erdoğan and Putin have begun face-to-face negotiations following their statements. Topics such as issues of the Middle East, especially Turkey and the fight against international terrorism will be discussed in the meeting. Also a discussion on the issue of Nagorno-Karabakh.
The two leaders will attend an inter-commission workshop dinner after their private meeting. A joint press conference will be held after the dinner and the leaders will meet business people from Russia and Turkey. (AS/TK/DG)